Compagnie Maritime Monegasque Zero Emission (CMMZE), founded by shipping entrepreneur Aldo Labia, has announced plans to launch green hydrogen production projects across the MENA region, aiming for a total output of 180,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The company will break ground on these initiatives in early 2025, with the first hydrogen production expected by late 2027.
The projects will include a major hydrogen production facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and additional sites in Morocco and Tunisia.
The green hydrogen produced will primarily be exported to Europe. CMMZE's plans were unveiled following Labia's sale of his shipping holding for USD 700 million (EUR 661.75 million), with the proceeds expected to support the development of these hydrogen ventures.
The facilities will harness solar and wind energy for hydrogen production. To meet the annual production target, CMMZE anticipates needing 1.2 million MWh of electricity.
The company will develop renewable energy sites in Tunisia, with solar power generation focused in the Nefetia Benguerdane region and wind energy generation planned for El Hamma. Additionally, CMMZE plans to install 250 MW of electrolyser capacity at Tunisia's Zarzis port, alongside processing and storage infrastructure.
CMMZE is in discussions for long-term offtake agreements with potential European partners. The initiative is expected to address Europe's increasing demand for clean energy alternatives while generating jobs in the UAE, Morocco, and Tunisia.
